tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13606638443544066022024-03-13T12:39:15.298-05:00Sound of SilentAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-34353638714342431232013-01-02T11:59:00.002-06:002013-01-02T12:00:34.815-06:00My New Life<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In 2012 I blogged about 3 times. I think all three were pregnancy updates. That's sad. It makes me sad. Since then, my life has changed IMMEASURABLY. Like, I can't even properly formulate the words. But I can put it in pictures!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6 weeks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 months</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 months</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas (almost 4 months)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My life change is named Miles, and he was born on September 3rd. I woke up at 5am on Labor Day to a contraction. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to go on a tangent for a minute. When you're pregnant and wondering what labor feels like, a lot of women annoyingly say "you'll know," which drove me crazy because I'm a research-oriented person and there had to be SOME sort of sign besides that! Well, I'm going to have to give that annoying response to other pregnant women. While I was pregnant, I experiences all sorts of aches and pains and cramps, and once I was full term EVERY ONE was an "OMG, WAS THAT A CONTRACTION?!?" But once I was in labor, I <i>knew.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After that first contraction, another one came 4 minutes later. And another about 5 minutes after that. I kept track of them for 45 minutes, but they were never more than 5 minutes apart. I had already started to move and get things organized, because I was sure we were going to the hospital and I was having that baby TODAY.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At 6:45 we dropped my dog off at my parents' house, and my mom looked at me and knew I was having that baby soon. I was shaking, but still not panicked, hell, I wasn't even sure we would be admitted. But on the 20 minute drive to the hospital I have about 11-ish contractions (I didn't really keep an close count), and one or two started to feel like pressure.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once we got to the admitting desk, the ladies were joking with me about whether I was a "consult" or whether I would be "admitted". But after they saw me have a contraction, they immediately changed me to an admitted patient.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We made it to the room, and we requested the birth tub. But I was checked and I was ready to push, so I wasn't able to use it. I had to wait a short while until my midwife arrived, but I was able to start pushing as soon as I was ready. Compared to contractions, pushing was miserable. I<i><b> hated</b></i> it. In about 10 pushes, and about an 45 minutes - 1 hour Miles Sullivan made his grand entrance to the world. 3 hours and 30 minutes from first contraction to birth, 9lbs 14 ounces, 21.5 inches.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Since then, I've adjusted to being a mom, juggling that with being a wife, friend and family member. It's a lot, but it's been a riot. This little meatloaf has <i>ruined me</i>. I'm so soft now. Commercials make me cry. His beautiful sleeping face makes me swoon. I'm a total sap. Which leads me to my most interesting life change...I quit my job. I now officially stay home to take care of my babeh and my house. I was just not OK with someone else getting to see him all day. We're making it work financially, but it's scary. Personally, I LOVE staying home. It suits me. But I can <i>absolutely</i> see why this doesn't appeal to some women. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm planning to write SO much more this year. I missed this. A lot. We'll see how it goes!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I hope everyone had a wonderful and healthy holiday, and here's to a lovely 2013.</span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-23088131073113401392012-04-16T13:15:00.003-05:002012-04-16T13:24:45.980-05:0020 WeeksI should probably write more about things unrelated to baby, but I haven't been blogging about unrelated things since, like, last fall. Plus, I kind of want to keep track of what's going on.<br /><br />And, if I'm being honest, being pregnant is sort of all consuming. I can't even live life without thinking about the perils of parenthood, let alone blog about it. It's kind of hard to pretend your life isn't going through an astronomical change when you have ginormous boobs and belly constantly reminding you.<br /><br />With that said, I've kept both of us alive for 20 weeks! We're halfway through, and the panic of unpreparedness is starting to sink in! On the plus side, we found out we're having a <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">boy</span>!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEPuUe9CUE/T4xieNaBTdI/AAAAAAAABKw/ybB-uRqVBIU/s1600/20wks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQEPuUe9CUE/T4xieNaBTdI/AAAAAAAABKw/ybB-uRqVBIU/s400/20wks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732064696870194642" border="0" /></a>20 weeks<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I know I'm supposed to have pretended like I wanted both genders equally, but man, was I rooting for a boy. I come from a family of all girls, and little boys are stupidly adorable, so I was hoping for something different.<br /><br />Plus (I'm going to get sentimental for a minute), I think Mike is probably the greatest type of man ever, so I really wanted to raise a son to be like him. To be sweet and polite, and funny and nerdy. <br /><br />Interestingly enough, the day we found out, as we're driving away from the Dr.'s office, I started to think about it, and I started to get a little sad that we weren't having a girl. It caught me off guard, because I was FIRMLY Team Boy, but it would have been cool to raise a girl. A self-assured, funny, chill girl. Now I worry that even if we have another kid, I'll never get the chance. <br /><br />And since I'm crazy, and thinking WAYYYY too far in the future - boys tend to marry and sort of follow the lead of their wives. And girls? They stay close to home. OMG, am I really thinking about my still-gestating son marrying off? <br /></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-23063222488818161402012-04-10T13:14:00.003-05:002012-04-10T13:29:29.411-05:00Pregnant Update<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I should do one of those pregnancy updates, yeah?<br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elEEOfjg5lQ/T4R7HiKKnNI/AAAAAAAABKY/YhiNoRzdSQA/s1600/16wks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elEEOfjg5lQ/T4R7HiKKnNI/AAAAAAAABKY/YhiNoRzdSQA/s400/16wks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729839995280858322" border="0" /></a>16 Weeks<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9MB5xoPKao/T4R7IcPYwqI/AAAAAAAABKk/pnr_ujSHpPY/s1600/18wks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9MB5xoPKao/T4R7IcPYwqI/AAAAAAAABKk/pnr_ujSHpPY/s400/18wks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729840010872013474" border="0" /></a>18 Weeks<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How far along?</span> 19 weeks, 3 days.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How big is baby?</span> According to <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-19-weeks_1108.bc">babycenter.com</a>, “Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Total weight gain:</span> The last time I checked (over a week ago) it was 6lbs. I’m sure it’s more now. I’ll know for sure on Thursday<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Maternity Clothes? </span>I’ve finally succumbed to a mostly maternity wardrobe. I <a href="http://www.grosgrainfabulous.com/2009/09/maternity-pants-tutorial.html">made my own</a> maternity jeans, which is pretty badass. But, they are seriously, SERIOUSLY comfortable.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Stretch marks?</span> No. And if what I hear is true (that they’re genetic), I may avoid them. Fingers crossed.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Sleep:</span> I’m doing well! I only wake up to pee once a night. I can still kind of sleep on my stomach, and I’m not having any gruesome pregnancy dreams. Except the other night when I dreamed that January Jones was teaching me to breastfeed and I was legit honking on her boob to see if that’s how it worked…<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Movement:</span> I haven’t felt anything yet. Well, maybe I did. Once?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Food cravings:</span> EAT ALL THE FOOD. Spicy foods are the best. Fast food. I suck at eating healthy these days.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />What I miss: </span>Booze. Oddly, I am NOT at all a big drinker. But once I can't have it, suddenly I want <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span>the drinks.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />What I am looking forward to:</span> Thursday. We find out the sex! I’m more excited to reveal this tidbit than I was to reveal I was pregnant.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Milestones:</span> Having someone who I don’t know very well touching my belly. That happened last week. It was weird, but I got over it. But the big one will be finding out the sex ON THURSDAY!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Oh, and THIS:</span> I can’t stop farting. It’s really attractive.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-12734817989059567742012-02-25T10:38:00.005-06:002012-02-25T11:01:57.177-06:00Life Changes.My, oh my. It has been a long time.<div><br /></div><div>I've meant to blog. Oh, how I've meant to! But, life, yanno?</div><div>I've even meant to change how I write, because lately I've become obsessed with chronicling my life. Like, making sure my pictures are organized in scrapbooks and don't exist on Facebook only. To make sure I remember my interesting stories. Which is why I wanted to change how I wrote. I wanted to make sure I told <i>stories</i> and shared pictures here...rather than ramble-y stream-of-consciousness posts...such as this. But, I guess I have to start somewhere, yeah?</div><div><br /></div><div>In life news...I'm pregnant. I'm due 9/2, and 13 weeks along today. It's been strange and scary and exciting. Mostly exciting. Unfortunately, I'm kind of bad at, like, doing stuff, so I haven't taken any picture of my bod. Well, one, but it was a test and I was in my underpants. And since I'm a respectable Sacred Vessel now, I think my days of posting pictures of me in my underpants on the internet are over. Plus, the only thing you can see is a belly full of farts. Yeah. You heard me. Farts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've felt great. NO sickeness, no heartburn. I had a few days where I woke up woozy, but some apple juice fixed me right up. I had terrible night-sweats for a week, and strangely dry eyes during the same time. But now? I realize I'm a really, REALLY lucky girl. Like, SUPER lucky. And I thank my stars for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>This baby was totally planned (well, we planned to start in January, but got a head start and we found out on Christmas), but sometimes I still freak out. I'm mostly excited - we're starting to do nursery stuff, and collect baby things, and have conversations about names and life - but it's such an astronomical life change.</div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, we went out with friends last night (well, I think at this point the only people reading my blog anymore ARE real life friends. HI!) and it was fun! But also, super hard. I was kind of mourning for my old life. And yeah, it's already my old life. Granted, we do have friends with a kid, but it's strange to move from one group (childless) to another (with child). Obviously, this is a process that I have to work through, and I have complete faith that I'll be fine with it - especially once the baby is born. But right now? It's still kinda hard.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't make long term plans for exciting events, because I genuinely have no idea what it's like to be SUPER pregnant or to be a brand new mom. Obviously my standpoint is selfish - but I've been able to be selfish for a long time. But my definition of fun is going to drastically change, and I just can't imagine what it's like on the other side, at least not yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong, I knew all of this was coming. I totally knew my life would change, and I also knew that I was going to have to work through it. I'm not really upset, or unhappy, it's just...strange. I'm a work in progress, I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is it really bad that I'm not pretending that having a baby is all sunshine and rainbows and unicorns? I hope not, otherwise I'm going to look like a huge dick. But at the same time, no matter how wanted this baby is, and how much you look forward to this new chapter, can't you still be a little said that the existing chapter is ending? Because this last chapter was really fucking awesome, and I hope the next one tops it.</div><div><br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-86124580131979046202011-11-05T17:35:00.003-05:002011-11-05T17:54:06.515-05:00The Fifth of November.<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night">Happy</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes">Guy Fawkes</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder_Plot">Day</a>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW2si3XEdy8/TrW9NYCCMPI/AAAAAAAABJk/WSUCY5WvdSg/s1600/393112_187698994645613_100002165400615_400977_960645504_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW2si3XEdy8/TrW9NYCCMPI/AAAAAAAABJk/WSUCY5WvdSg/s400/393112_187698994645613_100002165400615_400977_960645504_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671647343229939954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OccupyWallSt">via</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wP1uOHC_R0g/TrW9M7afwQI/AAAAAAAABJY/lG800YG8bS8/s1600/312679_165063496913878_160109100742651_325224_184412254_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wP1uOHC_R0g/TrW9M7afwQI/AAAAAAAABJY/lG800YG8bS8/s400/312679_165063496913878_160109100742651_325224_184412254_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671647335547912450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OccupyChicago">via</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MOv2z_CBs8/TrW9N2G2f2I/AAAAAAAABJs/N-g-A99CxK0/s1600/300864_10150379804418486_770623485_8215700_2034212051_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MOv2z_CBs8/TrW9N2G2f2I/AAAAAAAABJs/N-g-A99CxK0/s400/300864_10150379804418486_770623485_8215700_2034212051_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671647351303208802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OccupyWallSt">via</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Remember, remember the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/how-did-guy-fawkes-become-a-symbol-of-occupy-wall-street/">5th</a> of <a href="http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/occupy-wall-street-happy-guy-fawkes-day/politics/2011/11/05/29669">November</a>. The gunpowder, treason, and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2011/11/occupy-protesters-embrace-v-for-vendetta/"> forgot</a>.</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-20065990377783820812011-09-23T11:51:00.005-05:002011-09-23T12:04:25.714-05:00Thoughts on Facebook.It's been a long time since I've posted. And if I'm being honest, not a whole lot has happened. It's been a pretty chill month. And I like it.<br /><br />I'm starting to give some serious thought to deactivating my Facebook. I love it and I think it's a fabulous invention, but I'm starting to get uncomfortable with the amount of information that is shared and sold and whatever.<br /><br />With the new changes I'm seeing my friend's comments and likes on random people's statuses. Which means that random people can see things of mine. I don't need my entire friends list to see when I comment on a status, and I don't need their friends to see my status.<br /><br />The downside of leaving is obviously that I'll have less access to my faraway friends and family, and less access to photos. But there are just too many individual setting to organize, and it's so much clutter. And I can't creep. No more creeping.<br /><br />I'm a HUGE lover of technology and internet, but I do have my limit. I strongly dislike being <span style="font-weight: bold;">constantly</span> connected, and value the nights and weekends when I am away from my computer.<br /><br />Maybe if I DO deactivate it, it'll encourage me to connect in other ways? Phone calls? Cards? I can't say that facebook distracts me from life, because I make it a point to NOT use it during my downtime. But the information shared on FB is becoming less valuable to me, and it's starting to feel like a chore to maintain it (this is how I felt about Twitter).<br /><br />I'm still not 100% on what I want to do, but I'm going to give it a bunch of thought. If I can figure out these changes, and make sure my visibility is locked up, then I may consider changing. But I've heard that there are MORE changes coming, and I just don't know if I want to navigate those.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-50762291137480162482011-08-29T10:49:00.004-05:002011-08-29T10:59:31.105-05:00Ren Faire 2011Oh my, it's been a while! And it's been even longer since I actually made a post, you know, with words.
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<br />I can't believe the summer is already winding down! The weather is already starting to change - this very morning I started second guessing my choice of sandals as footwear. Though, it's very likely it could shoot back up to 90 degrees again very soon. (Damn, I just checked the weather and we're looking at 90s again on Thursday...)
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<br />This past weekend Mike and I went to the <a href="http://www.renfair.com/bristol/">Bristol Renaisance Faire</a>. It is absolutely our favorite thing to do all summer. I'm not even sure why we love it so much. It's shops, and kid activities, and shows and food. But it has, hands down, the best people watching I've ever stumbled across.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCZRxt7FG14/Tlu2Lp7RPfI/AAAAAAAABJE/U_uZKyN1RkE/s1600/ren%2Bfair%2B2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCZRxt7FG14/Tlu2Lp7RPfI/AAAAAAAABJE/U_uZKyN1RkE/s400/ren%2Bfair%2B2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646306869188312562" border="0" /></a>This past weekend was Steampunk weekend, which culminated in a costume contest. So many of those who were dressed up looked spectacular.
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<br />This summer has been eventful, but also low key. It's been strange.
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-77683686100919470452011-08-03T10:02:00.002-05:002011-08-03T10:42:14.627-05:00Pottermore Frenzy<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpcxje56SL1qzwna2o1_500.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 232px;" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpcxje56SL1qzwna2o1_500.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >I got in!<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">(though it was a shallow victory)</span><br /><br />Username: CauldronLight144<br /><br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-47139275568440756012011-07-30T12:02:00.003-05:002011-07-30T12:26:33.107-05:00Saturday, July 30thIt is Saturday morning. I woke up at about 9:30am, despite falling asleep at a grandmotherly 11:30pm. I had big plans to start cleaning out closets and getting rid of things I don't need. But then, I sat on the couch, watched a little 30 Rock, had some unhealthy cereal and coffee. And now? It's after noon, and I'm still here. Only now I'm watching Parks and Recreation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp51BvrB0pA/TjQ5k8_Su3I/AAAAAAAABHs/PJnKLA0DVTo/s1600/Photo%2B640.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp51BvrB0pA/TjQ5k8_Su3I/AAAAAAAABHs/PJnKLA0DVTo/s400/Photo%2B640.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635192340757003122" border="0" /></a>Mike came downstairs shortly after me, and now he's napping across from me on the couch. Maddie has taken up her usual spot on the back of the couch, watching for some unseen threat to our home.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WruMsHtOz6g/TjQ8iz_peBI/AAAAAAAABH0/2svwIjRfAsU/s1600/Photo%2B641.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WruMsHtOz6g/TjQ8iz_peBI/AAAAAAAABH0/2svwIjRfAsU/s400/Photo%2B641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635195602517719058" border="0" /></a>We haven't had a Do-Nothing type of weekend in a while. Mike has been working on weekends for the last two months. Last weekend I was out of town and Mike hosted friends at our house. So this? While it feels so wrong, is much welcomed.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-70615543072426613922011-07-15T16:09:00.004-05:002011-07-15T16:25:21.311-05:00The end of an era and solidifying my fanaticism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8CghZt_QDQ/TiCsp0riusI/AAAAAAAABGs/bNsbGcU27L4/s1600/Photo%2B637.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUwqx1XMvEY/TiCsqbSVv0I/AAAAAAAABG0/ZjMs3pvTHNE/s1600/Photo%2B631.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUwqx1XMvEY/TiCsqbSVv0I/AAAAAAAABG0/ZjMs3pvTHNE/s400/Photo%2B631.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629689379092283202" border="0" /></a>This is what my afternoon consists of....<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Oh you know, after I got THIS:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8CghZt_QDQ/TiCsp0riusI/AAAAAAAABGs/bNsbGcU27L4/s1600/Photo%2B637.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8CghZt_QDQ/TiCsp0riusI/AAAAAAAABGs/bNsbGcU27L4/s400/Photo%2B637.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629689368729008834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">On a whi<span style="font-size:78%;">m</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> :)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I am madly in love with my super simple HP tattoo. It couldn't have turned out better. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And tonight, I'm seeing the movie at 8pm. As much as I love the atmosphere of the midnight movies, I'm just too, too tired to stay up and watch it. I want to see it when I'm awake and aware and comfortable.<br /></div></div><br />I am so sad about this era ending, but so happy that I was able to be a part of this amazing literary juggernaut. From non-stop reading, re-reading, to midnight book releases, and midnight showings (in my younger years). Making t-shirts to buying t-shirts and COUNTLESS other HP related items. I've been a fan for 11 years. It's been the longest love affair of my life (sorry, Mike).<br /><br />These books have been a bright spot whenever I'm sad, or stressed or generally frazzled. And the movies have been such an amazing interpretation of their content. I am genuinely sad to see everything conclude - but at the same time, there's still a whole other Potter-life ahead of me. I hope to someday get Mike to read the books, and introduce them to my future kids, not to mention the endless possibility of reading them over and over and over again.<br />As JK Rowling said at the London premiere, "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."<br /></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-33159985626823560202011-07-15T00:01:00.000-05:002011-07-15T00:01:00.358-05:00Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7HzaiAXOhw/Th8ZsTCkuSI/AAAAAAAABGk/tp7GkXQP_mM/s1600/267572_10100782260804890_1923334_65193147_5352959_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7HzaiAXOhw/Th8ZsTCkuSI/AAAAAAAABGk/tp7GkXQP_mM/s400/267572_10100782260804890_1923334_65193147_5352959_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629246308052416802" border="0" /></a>And that is all I have to say about that.<br />For now.<br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-26636238842456270092011-06-28T19:08:00.002-05:002011-06-28T19:23:28.308-05:00Red lipstick.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04EfkJWWgdI/TgptbdS15UI/AAAAAAAABGc/WyVLji2ldKI/s1600/Photo%2B635.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04EfkJWWgdI/TgptbdS15UI/AAAAAAAABGc/WyVLji2ldKI/s400/Photo%2B635.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623427403213038914" border="0" /></a>I am feeling lethargic, but hopeful.<br />I miss Mike, but I appreciate it far more when he's present.<br />I can't wait for the last Harry Potter, but am so <span style="font-style: italic;">sad</span> that it is ending.<br />I am hungry, but too lazy to cook.<br />I'm super nervous about my future, but confident that everything will be just fine.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-75111609641145056202011-06-11T12:30:00.004-05:002011-06-11T12:44:54.014-05:00Wallow-y Blog Post :(Remember last post when I said I was handling everything well? Today, it crashed down around my ears. Hard.<br /><br />I've been sick since Tuesday, and it's been a constant annoyance. And because of it I haven't slept properly since...Tuesday.<br /><br />This morning Maddie was being a bundle of nerves, and I couldn't figure out why until I went upstairs and found out that she threw up. I tried to comfort her (throwing up <span style="font-style: italic;">terrifies</span> her) and then she threw up some more. Sorry. That's gross. But it's been awful. She's OK now and back to psychotically watching the birds out the back window.<br /><br />Plus Mike is working today, and is going to go into work again on Sunday. And worked late almost every day this week. I don't know what to think of it, because he's not some brain surgeon where people die in his absence. But it makes him feel better to make sure he's ahead of the game, and apparently this is his busy season. It's just really, really hard.<br /><br />I've been cleaning all morning and I hate it, and I just burdened my poor mother with a self-pitying sob-fest. I'm a mess. I feel like nothing is going right. But, I know it's not true, and everything is going to fit into place, because, well it <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">has<span style="font-weight: bold;"> to.</span></span></span> I have so many things to be excited about and to work hard for, but right now, nothing fits. It feels like I'm wearing an too-small suit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enjcATOCmLo/TfOpTD24QRI/AAAAAAAABGE/3B6fGmIEqzE/s1600/Sad_Panda_by_ra3ndy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enjcATOCmLo/TfOpTD24QRI/AAAAAAAABGE/3B6fGmIEqzE/s400/Sad_Panda_by_ra3ndy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617019305179234578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image <a href="http://ra3ndy.deviantart.com/art/Sad-Panda-69204875">via</a><br /></span></div><br />I've had my cry, and I've written a wallow-y blog post, so now it's time for me to buck up, buttercup and get my act together. I'm going to pull myself up by my bootstraps and whatever other cliche feel good-eries I can think of. I'm going to have some lunch, and finish cleaning and, and get in a good head space, and finally sit down and try to actually make some progress reading <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hunger Games</span>.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-3574959889389507562011-06-07T14:21:00.004-05:002011-06-08T15:40:50.614-05:00A Smattering of ThoughtsI've been feeling...<span style="font-style: italic;">overwhelmed</span> lately.<br />Between life changes, job restructuring, travel recovery, budgeting, various sicknesses and devastatingly hot weather I'm just feeling a little overwrought, under-slept and simply drained.<br /><br />All I want to do it bake a cheesecake. But, as I told Mike in a email yesterday, I feel like that's a winter dessert, and <a href="http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2011/06/chewy-coconut-lime-sugar-cookies.html">cookies </a>with bright summery flavors seem more appropriate.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edit: </span>I found <a href="http://www.madewithpink.com/2011/06/raspberry-lemon-cheesecake-bites.html">FAR </a><a href="http://www.dashofeast.com/2011/06/blackberry-lemon-goat-cheese-cheesecakes-in-a-jar/">MORE</a> <a href="http://hilarymakes.com/2011/05/29/an-on-the-fly-dinner-for-guests-fresh-asparagus-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-mini-lime-cheesecakes/">recipes</a> for <a href="http://runs-with-spatulas.blogspot.com/2011/06/blueberry-lemon-cheesecake-bars.html">summery</a> <a href="http://simpleandhomemade.blogspot.com/2011/05/key-lime-cheesecake.html">cheesecakes</a>. So many <a href="http://poetinthepantry.com/2011/05/31/cheesecake-obsession/">more</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n1d7rlqSg0/Te_d4fAG6YI/AAAAAAAABFs/sAf2lDLo0CA/s1600/blueberry-cheesecake-popsicles.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n1d7rlqSg0/Te_d4fAG6YI/AAAAAAAABFs/sAf2lDLo0CA/s400/blueberry-cheesecake-popsicles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615951222818662786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/05/24/blueberry-cheesecake-popsicles/">via</a><br /><br /></span></div>I want to do is go home and have a bonfire in my backyard with Mike. I want to cook a simple BBQ meal, and chill on our deck. And then, have some summery cookies. That I made. You know, with all the time I have on my hands. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.<br /><br />I feel like I should meditate on winning the lottery. I was watching one of the "Lottery Changed My Life" shows on <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/apply/lottery-changed-my-life.html">TLC</a>, and a crazy lady claimed that's how she did it. Can't hurt, right?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR64ThZvn1M/Te_d4hH_gRI/AAAAAAAABF0/DlpVBlOyWRw/s1600/254931_10100631199617720_1923334_64336833_2881024_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rR64ThZvn1M/Te_d4hH_gRI/AAAAAAAABF0/DlpVBlOyWRw/s400/254931_10100631199617720_1923334_64336833_2881024_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615951223388602642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image via San Diego trip<br /><br /></span></div>I do not have a green thumb. I can grow flowers OK, but vegetables and herbs are out of the question. However, the flowers are questionable this year. Just ask my suffering Hydrangea. :(<br /><br />I think I should eat more brie. I had it on a sandwich (turkey, brie, granny smith apple and I BELIEVE dijon mustard) and it was awesome.<br />Also, I want to pickle something. Probably cucumbers, resulting in...pickles.<br /><br />I've written a LOT about food so far. But, day-um girlfriend is hungry.<br /><br />Oddly enough - even with all this random stuff floating around, and changes taking place, and stressful situations sitting on my head, I feel SURPRISINGLY calm. Like, usually, I would cry at the drop of a hat, throw a few tantrums, but not lately. I'm handling more and more with a shoulder shrug, and acknowledging what I can't control.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ5HU60W2ZE/Te_d5N5HXQI/AAAAAAAABF8/O4rmSAjTgPo/s1600/248281_10100631202926090_1923334_64336918_3137933_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ5HU60W2ZE/Te_d5N5HXQI/AAAAAAAABF8/O4rmSAjTgPo/s400/248281_10100631202926090_1923334_64336918_3137933_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615951235405798658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image via San Diego trip :)<br /></span></div><br />Also, I used to think I was a Type A personality (and maybe once upon a time I WAS a Type A), but I now believe I am a Type B...and I took a few online tests (the most reliable kind of test *eyeroll*) and confirmed it. I scored a 23/100 on an <a href="http://cl1.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=2986">abridged</a> test.<br /><blockquote> <span style="font-size:85%;">You possess many of the characteristics of a Type B personality. Type B persons are characterized as having a "stop and smell the roses" attitude towards life. They are very relaxed and rarely become hostile, aggressive or competitive. Open-minded and forgiving, they are of a flexible nature. Type B persons tend to follow either an "Everybody Must Win" or "Live and Let Live" credo; they have a more passive and submissive slant to their personality. In either case, whether to fight a cause or simply stand up for themselves, Type B persons sometimes lack the drive that could help them achieve their goals. You yourself may want to work on building up some more initiative and dynamism. Otherwise, you run the risk of missing out on important opportunities. Pushing yourself and competing a little bit for your place in the sun can certainly add some spice to your life.</span></blockquote>I took a few more and got the same result. INTERESTING. But taking those tests always send me into a weird thought-spiral of "would I REALLY do that? Or is that just what I would like to THINK I would do?" So I often doubt the validity of those tests. How can you TRUTHFULLY assess yourself. I think everyone has a slightly skewed perception of themselves.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-54754336741545108612011-06-03T09:28:00.007-05:002011-06-03T10:22:54.835-05:00Wants and Needs: Friday!It's Friday! Friday!<br />Gotta get down on Friday!<br /><br />Sure has been a while since I've done Wants and Needs, and today is the day!<br />Feel free to play along.<br /><br />Without further ado:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Wants</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNdfMDYcV7c/Tej37ey-VXI/AAAAAAAABFU/aw7eGXXW8p8/s1600/06.03%2BXMEN.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNdfMDYcV7c/Tej37ey-VXI/AAAAAAAABFU/aw7eGXXW8p8/s400/06.03%2BXMEN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614009536768529778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://collider.com/x-men-first-class-trailer-logo/75374/">via</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ziDxE0pYms/Tej37FEsCkI/AAAAAAAABFM/RxCQI-zwJB4/s1600/06.03%2Brecord%2Bplayer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ziDxE0pYms/Tej37FEsCkI/AAAAAAAABFM/RxCQI-zwJB4/s400/06.03%2Brecord%2Bplayer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614009529863506498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://latinforswiss.tumblr.com/">via</a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7CSQq-C0rY/Tej367qsEkI/AAAAAAAABFE/m-oeKY4IB1I/s1600/06.03%2Bmaxi.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7CSQq-C0rY/Tej367qsEkI/AAAAAAAABFE/m-oeKY4IB1I/s400/06.03%2Bmaxi.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614009527338537538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20878716">via</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Needs</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e26kUknCaKk/Tej4-oUgzVI/AAAAAAAABFc/C2UT93_aQRo/s1600/06.03%2BDeclutter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e26kUknCaKk/Tej4-oUgzVI/AAAAAAAABFc/C2UT93_aQRo/s400/06.03%2BDeclutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614010690376355154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.withoutdash.com/7-day-guide-to-declutter-your-life-day-1/">via</a></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0YODy4rLck/Tej1R424FHI/AAAAAAAABEs/fA7HslaVyP0/s1600/06.03%2BBook%2Bsuggestions.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0YODy4rLck/Tej1R424FHI/AAAAAAAABEs/fA7HslaVyP0/s400/06.03%2BBook%2Bsuggestions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614006623186457714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image via my wedding</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unfiYkLxCx4/Tej7go3h6_I/AAAAAAAABFk/My7xKEzYZtQ/s1600/06.03%2Bgreener%2Bthumb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-unfiYkLxCx4/Tej7go3h6_I/AAAAAAAABFk/My7xKEzYZtQ/s400/06.03%2Bgreener%2Bthumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614013473662036978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.amothershood.com/2011/05/thumbs-up/">via</a></span><br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-52897538236838069222011-06-02T12:08:00.000-05:002011-06-02T12:09:06.094-05:00Through the Pensieve<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZbH0nbilYek?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZbH0nbilYek?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-67970721962745238642011-05-31T19:19:00.000-05:002011-05-31T19:20:24.895-05:00I Open at the Close<object id="flashObj" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="412" width="486"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=960569006001&playerID=18866168001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAB1-JM0~,FkO2We_lk8OKCDAR78oWEi9bP3Y8Mex3&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=960569006001&playerID=18866168001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAB1-JM0~,FkO2We_lk8OKCDAR78oWEi9bP3Y8Mex3&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" height="412" width="486"></embed></object>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-72915742608140643112011-05-27T21:14:00.004-05:002011-05-27T21:32:47.025-05:00Book Expo ADVENTURES!Remember how I used to write here? Oh, those were the days!!<br /><br />I'm planning to HOPEFULLY get back into that groove very, very soon. Very. But for the moment, I want to tell you about my travel adventures!<br /><br />I attended <a href="http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/">Book Expo America</a> in NYC this past week for work, and while I find flying to be one of my least favorite activities, I do have to say I did have an entertaining time.<br /><br />My job was to tend to our booth, answer questions, direct people where they need to be directed and give/take business cards. Well, a <a href="http://reidlrosenthal.com/">gentleman</a> sidled up to the booth looking for international distribution of his novel, but unfortunately, we do everything internally, and don't work with outside authors. Well, it was towards the end of the day, and I was curious so I asked him about his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982157614?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwreidlrosen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0982157614">novel</a> and learned that it is a western romance novel. And then? He gifted me with a copy. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ze68W0XcA/TeBecuVnBqI/AAAAAAAABD0/tElequNoWvg/s1600/95533579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2ze68W0XcA/TeBecuVnBqI/AAAAAAAABD0/tElequNoWvg/s400/95533579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611588983271655074" border="0" /></a><br />AND THEN? I asked him to sign it, and he graciously complied.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjhI15TadU/TeBec3Y_cgI/AAAAAAAABD8/YEiauc6LxUs/s1600/Photo%2B628.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjhI15TadU/TeBec3Y_cgI/AAAAAAAABD8/YEiauc6LxUs/s400/Photo%2B628.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611588985701757442" border="0" /></a><br />So now, I am the proud owner of a signed copy of my very first western romance. And I'm gonna read the SHIT out of it.<br /><br />Other than that the show was mostly uneventful. I enjoy attending trade shows and conferences, it makes life a little more interesting and I do end up learning a lot.<br /><br />I was all set to fly home on Wednesday. My flight was at 10am (NYC time) and arrive home 2ish hours later, well I got to the airport WAY too early (which is fine, I prefer that) at 7:30am, and when I looked at the board a TON of flights to Chicago were delayed/cancelled, so I texted my mom and found out Chicago was being beaten on by terrible weather. At that time my flight was still on schedule.<br />Nervously, I kept checking, and it stayed on schedule. So I made myself comfortable.<br />20 minutes before boarding, I checked again. It was delayed an hour.<br />And then another hour.<br />And then another hour.<br />And then another 15 minutes<br />And then the fire alarm in the airport went up as I was dozing off. And then I had a heart attack, and died. Not really, but I might as well have.<br />And then I was delayed another half hour.<br />I finally got on the plane at 1:45pm NY time.<br />And then we sat on the tarmac.<br />Then we taxied to the runway.<br />And then we sat.<br />And sat.<br />And then the captain said that we were waiting for a reroute.<br />And THEN we took off, and the captain told us that we were going to have to go up through Canada (I waved!) and come to Chicago from the north. So the flight was (I THINK) an hour-ish longer than it should have been.<br />I landed, life was good, and I got on the monorail-y <span class="il">tram</span> that takes me to my parking lot.<br />AND THEN the <span class="il">tram</span> comes to a stop, in the middle of the tracks, and they make an announcement that we're having technical difficulties.<br />At this point I am just laughing and laughing, because this can't be real!<br />And we sat there for about a half hour waiting for a technician to board and fix it.<br />All the while, I'm stuck on this <span class="il">tram</span> with a guy in real estate who is having a screaming match with his office.<br />AND THEN I got to my car at about 5pm, and had to drive home in rush hour traffic.<br /><br />It was a ridiculous ending to a hilarious trip.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-10073655179004445942011-04-21T09:11:00.008-05:002011-04-21T10:05:03.405-05:00Upcoming San Diego Trip!As usual, it's been many moons since I've last updated. But, like I said before, I've been totally entrenched in to-dos, git 'er dones, and, you know, things.<br /><br />BUT! Here I am, on the home stretch. In 1 week Mike and I are traveling to San Diego to visit our longtime friend, Cam, and his awesome girlfriend Dawn.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKefqj1Jt04/TbBBAW-9UzI/AAAAAAAABC8/qRFvlol_cdA/s1600/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Btrain%2Boct%2B2008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKefqj1Jt04/TbBBAW-9UzI/AAAAAAAABC8/qRFvlol_cdA/s400/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Btrain%2Boct%2B2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045811246977842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A visit in October 2008<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-379PLlpKbGw/TbBBA3IRUcI/AAAAAAAABDE/qYtutNel5Rw/s1600/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Boct%2B2008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-379PLlpKbGw/TbBBA3IRUcI/AAAAAAAABDE/qYtutNel5Rw/s400/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Boct%2B2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045819875971522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Chicago, October 2008<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bamq0TulEGE/TbBAyPNBAmI/AAAAAAAABCU/_pwUAHFSc6M/s1600/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Bt%2Bwedding%2Bdressed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bamq0TulEGE/TbBAyPNBAmI/AAAAAAAABCU/_pwUAHFSc6M/s400/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Bt%2Bwedding%2Bdressed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045568640287330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">At a wedding in October 2010<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUAW1N_fQbM/TbBAyoKAXrI/AAAAAAAABCk/wk6TE7aKXKY/s1600/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Bt%2Bwedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUAW1N_fQbM/TbBAyoKAXrI/AAAAAAAABCk/wk6TE7aKXKY/s400/cam%2Band%2Bdawn%2Bt%2Bwedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045575338548914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">After the October wedding<br /></span></div><br />Cam and I have been friends since...7th grade? We met in band. So we've been friends for, LITERALLY 13 years? Oh, sweet lord.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K5cq9RRu0E/TbBAx9qq0PI/AAAAAAAABCM/ehenEoDpgyI/s1600/me%2Band%2Bcam%2B2006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K5cq9RRu0E/TbBAx9qq0PI/AAAAAAAABCM/ehenEoDpgyI/s400/me%2Band%2Bcam%2B2006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045563932823794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Thanksgiving break 2006<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8rzeWZyCXA/TbBCjywALfI/AAAAAAAABDc/e7hVsx7dXHE/s1600/me%2Band%2Bcam%2Bwedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8rzeWZyCXA/TbBCjywALfI/AAAAAAAABDc/e7hVsx7dXHE/s400/me%2Band%2Bcam%2Bwedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598047519507492338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">After me and Mike's wedding ceremony, May 2009</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUR3I8ldAk/TbBAxxDC7tI/AAAAAAAABCE/615vEvDNNGI/s1600/me%2Band%2Bcam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUR3I8ldAk/TbBAxxDC7tI/AAAAAAAABCE/615vEvDNNGI/s400/me%2Band%2Bcam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045560545406674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Probably one of my favorite pictures. Ever. <br />Me and Mike's reception, May 2009<br /></span></div><br />When Cam moved to San Diego in 2005, I promised I'd visit. I think I renewed that promise every year. But this year! <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This</span></span> is the year. Plus, Cam is moving soon, so this is my last opportunity. They are opening their home to us for 5 nights, and I couldn't be more thrilled.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-es8cB2-1-hY/TbBA_8uk4UI/AAAAAAAABC0/WCOQsNjN3Bc/s1600/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2Bwedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-es8cB2-1-hY/TbBA_8uk4UI/AAAAAAAABC0/WCOQsNjN3Bc/s400/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2Bwedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045804198945090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Cam and Mike from our wedding, May 2009<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9dnNyt1heE/TbBAyB82XjI/AAAAAAAABCc/KlCpSN0isLY/s1600/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2Bon%2Bbed%2Bt%2Bwedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9dnNyt1heE/TbBAyB82XjI/AAAAAAAABCc/KlCpSN0isLY/s400/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2Bon%2Bbed%2Bt%2Bwedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045565082820146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike and Cam after a wedding, October 2010<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UszccM1sjYE/TbBBBKzu_DI/AAAAAAAABDM/7_C9ZIam-Es/s1600/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UszccM1sjYE/TbBBBKzu_DI/AAAAAAAABDM/7_C9ZIam-Es/s400/mike%2Band%2Bcam%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045825158544434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Gazing deeply at each other, Christmastime 2010</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihAI_gGpEgs/TbBBETvxchI/AAAAAAAABDU/jdroOAAoghs/s1600/mike%2Band%2Bcam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihAI_gGpEgs/TbBBETvxchI/AAAAAAAABDU/jdroOAAoghs/s400/mike%2Band%2Bcam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598045879097455122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Embracing lovingly, Christmastime 2010</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Friends, and warm weather (when we arrive on the 28th, it will be sunny and 69°!) and a trip to the beach and not working and food. I cannot wait!<br /><br />This also means that I have 1 week to wrap up my massive lists. You see, at the end of March, I took a calendar and filled in the dates with all the tasks I needed to complete before this trip.<br />And it ended up being an insanely huge list. There are still many small things I need to check off - but in one short week, my list will <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">have to be</span> done.<br /><br />And after San Diego? I have 3 days to prepare for a party. And after that? All my to-dos will be to-done, and then I can focus on enjoying my summer! And maybe blog more? I have so many house makeover related things to show you!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Already planned:</span><br />1 May birthday celebration<br />2 June cabin trips (one of which is a birthday celebration)<br />1 July cabin trip<br />1 Renaissance Faire Trip<br />HP and the Deathly Hallows FINAL MOVIE<br />HP tattoo?<br />1 trip to New Buffalo, Michigan for a birthday celebration<br /><br />AND IT'S ONLY APRIL.<br /></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-15618075418855159892011-04-05T09:02:00.005-05:002011-04-05T09:46:21.110-05:00Updates on my boring life.The last time I wrote was on March 1st. And since then:<br /><br />- I went to a Boobie Bash to raise moneys for a friend who will be walking in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago. Mike and I bought a <span style="font-weight: bold;">shitload</span> of raffle tickets and consequently won 4 raffle prizes.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0KoeI-di4k/TZsnamttGNI/AAAAAAAABBI/YLRqHZA5_-Q/s1600/200038_10100370579517490_1902600_62965243_1239429_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0KoeI-di4k/TZsnamttGNI/AAAAAAAABBI/YLRqHZA5_-Q/s400/200038_10100370579517490_1902600_62965243_1239429_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106700332931282" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1HfJVjJHdY/TZsnalvWuYI/AAAAAAAABBA/K858Vx-AEP4/s1600/199929_10100370579916690_1902600_62965260_2535290_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1HfJVjJHdY/TZsnalvWuYI/AAAAAAAABBA/K858Vx-AEP4/s400/199929_10100370579916690_1902600_62965260_2535290_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106700071418242" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86XETBNpZiI/TZsnaSMIbeI/AAAAAAAABA4/sLtX0EMNWkk/s1600/196453_10100370579582360_1902600_62965246_1667543_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86XETBNpZiI/TZsnaSMIbeI/AAAAAAAABA4/sLtX0EMNWkk/s400/196453_10100370579582360_1902600_62965246_1667543_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106694823407074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUFS4weFMXQ/TZsnaZ8nxCI/AAAAAAAABAw/Y1XocCL53zU/s1600/189014_10100370578719090_1902600_62965205_4865016_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUFS4weFMXQ/TZsnaZ8nxCI/AAAAAAAABAw/Y1XocCL53zU/s400/189014_10100370578719090_1902600_62965205_4865016_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106696905835554" border="0" /></a>- Put this on my Facebook, and am now extending the invite here:<br /><blockquote>Via <a href="http://rachellelaughs.blogspot.com/">Rachelle</a>- Pay it forward 2011!<br />I pledge to send a handmade something to the first 5 people who comment on this post (and specify that they want to play) and who update their status/Twitter/Facebook/blog with this same offer (please link back). The rules are that YOU have to make it with your own hands and that you must send it sometime in 2011.<br /></blockquote>- Saw <span style="font-style: italic;">Rango</span> and thought it was delightful. A wonderful change of pace.<br /><br />- Started listening to Girl Talk, and <span style="font-style: italic;">physically</span> felt my cool quotient increase exponentially.<br /><br />- Got EXTREMELY excited for St. Patty's Day. Seriously, it's my favorite holiday because it's about food and drink, and there are NO obligations. However, in prepping my corned beef and cabbage, my garbage disposal clogged. I spent the next 2 hours elbow deep in drain sludge and pieces of cabbage. Luckily my mom is EXTREMELY handy, and Mike was dedicated to freeing up the plumbing.<br /><br />-Fell madly in love with Rebecca Black's <span style="font-style: italic;">Friday</span>. Seriously. I don't care what anyone says, it's a festive song.<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CD2LRROpph0" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br />- Have been debating canceling cable. I'm planning to write a whole post on that, but it's an ongoing saga.<br /><br />- Started re-reading all 7 Harry Potter books again. I want to finish them just in time for the 2nd installment of Deathly Hallows.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41jyEiHZC_k/TZsne7Fx2TI/AAAAAAAABBY/PmoFnlFmG_M/s1600/n1923334_37865004_9790.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 176px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41jyEiHZC_k/TZsne7Fx2TI/AAAAAAAABBY/PmoFnlFmG_M/s400/n1923334_37865004_9790.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106774522091826" border="0" /></a>- Watched the Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes version of <span style="font-style: italic;">Romeo and Juliet</span> and remembered HOW INSANELY AWESOME IT IS.<br /><br />- Had some out of town friends visit! Had people over (then fell asleep on my own couch, because I'm cool like that)<br /><br />- Had the roof and siding replaced on my whole house!<br /><br />- Started painting my stairs - dark treads and white risers, like <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/10/finished-staircase/">this.</a> Quickly found out that this is not as fun or easy as I thought. Currently, the half finished staircase is giving my hives.<br /><br />- Started thinking about the <a href="http://soundofsilent.blogspot.com/2010/05/derby-party.html">Derby Party</a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ygVSU-RtTk/TZsnaHIF3zI/AAAAAAAABAo/UFQg_2Cg7zg/s1600/29894_10100135965735390_1902600_56437398_2748923_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ygVSU-RtTk/TZsnaHIF3zI/AAAAAAAABAo/UFQg_2Cg7zg/s400/29894_10100135965735390_1902600_56437398_2748923_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592106691853672242" border="0" /></a>And I think that brings us about up to speed.<br /><br />I've been terribly unmotivated to write, and absolutely SLAMMED at work and at home.<br />April is the beginning of lots of things to do, and birthdays and Spring CLEANING! So I'm up to my eyeballs in to-dos and obligations. I feel like I'm totally spinning out of control, but then I remember that all these obligations and events and whatnot are fun and awesome, and I'll figure it out.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-21681013793212040872011-03-01T08:55:00.006-06:002011-03-01T10:52:32.849-06:00Accidental DrunkennessYesterday, I had a crappy day, so I called my mom and told her about it.<br />She then offered to make me a Bloody Mary. It was delicious.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPigRKUDhPA/TW0a0qC2j8I/AAAAAAAABAI/s1ErHNi04Ck/s1600/18765_981728161750_1923334_54682908_605967_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPigRKUDhPA/TW0a0qC2j8I/AAAAAAAABAI/s1ErHNi04Ck/s400/18765_981728161750_1923334_54682908_605967_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579145005323685826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">This is <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>the Bloody Mary in question<br /></span></div><br />Then Mike came home, and we had a beer.<br /><br />After that, we left to go to Mike's parents' house to celebrate the engagement of his brother. I somehow ended up with two beers in front of me. I drank both of them.<br /><br />Champagne was poured, and I had myself a little glass to toast to the newly engaged. Then I had another glass, because someone didn't want theirs.<br /><br />No family gathering is complete without a tequila shot to honor Papa.<br /><br />Then I had another beer, you know, to chase it.<br /><br />Through all of this? I forgot dinner. Mah bad.<br /><br />And THAT'S the unfortunate story of how I accidentally got drunk last night and want to cry today.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-21406857710077142222011-02-26T14:41:00.003-06:002011-02-26T14:56:19.492-06:00I'm an embarrassment<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" >I'm so lazy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today I should have:</span><br />Cleaned both the bathrooms<br />Done all my laundry<br />Changed my sheets<br />Unloaded the dishwasher, and loaded dirty dishes<br />Bought my sister a birthday present<br />Vacuumed<br />Swept and mopped<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today I:</span><br />Made waffles and coffee<br />Watched an episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Office</span><br />Watched an episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">Jump City Seattle</span><br />Watched an epidoes of <span style="font-style: italic;">One Born Every Minute</span><br />Watched an episode of <span style="font-style: italic;">Jersey Shore</span><br />Put sheets in the washer, forgot about them until now<br />Ordered and ate Jimmy Johns<br />Crept around on Facebook<br />Chatted on Facebook<br />Reopened my 20SB account<br />Read about the <a href="http://helpnathanbuyfirefly.com/">Help Nathan Buy Firefly </a>movement - which I wholeheartedly support.<br /><br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-27969210168651555312011-02-14T08:43:00.006-06:002011-02-14T15:49:19.011-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahSMSUdlQys/TVmjWYEMaAI/AAAAAAAABAA/fLj3k_mAtaU/s1600/150563_10100282949423900_1902600_61135939_4959939_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahSMSUdlQys/TVmjWYEMaAI/AAAAAAAABAA/fLj3k_mAtaU/s400/150563_10100282949423900_1902600_61135939_4959939_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573665618660190210" border="0" /></a><br />In light of Valentine's day, and <a href="http://lamidge.com/2011/02/i-love">Brittney's</a> adorable post, I shall do my own!<br /><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">I love...</span></span><br /><ul><li>That most of the women in my office are wearing red today</li><li>Fresh flowers. No matter where they come from.</li><li>Talking future stuff with Mike.</li><li>Going out to dinner and eating like a fat kid.</li><li>An hour or two alone on weekend mornings.</li><li>That point in winter where you can start to see hints of spring.</li><li>When the pets play <span style="font-style: italic;">together.</span></li><li>Bloody Marys at my mom's house.</li><li>Knowing <span style="font-style: italic;">Jeopardy</span> answers.</li><li>Immediately changing into slipper boots and leggings when I get home.</li><li>Mid-week movies.<br /></li><li>Weird, punny and inappropriate vintage Valentines.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCmVd7e0uvs/TVmcb6RUJII/AAAAAAAAA_4/lMmvBv1fOEU/s1600/bean.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCmVd7e0uvs/TVmcb6RUJII/AAAAAAAAA_4/lMmvBv1fOEU/s400/bean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573658017159980162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSg0l1mchNE/TVmcbivmS9I/AAAAAAAAA_w/xRF11_O_JGc/s1600/press.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSg0l1mchNE/TVmcbivmS9I/AAAAAAAAA_w/xRF11_O_JGc/s400/press.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573658010844548050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-aPN4l49U/TVmcbIYR6RI/AAAAAAAAA_o/IbDoG-kKDRo/s1600/rash.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-aPN4l49U/TVmcbIYR6RI/AAAAAAAAA_o/IbDoG-kKDRo/s400/rash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573658003767421202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-im4EFDSNhcI/TVmca7k4b_I/AAAAAAAAA_g/1Eiytn5Kzqs/s1600/tiger.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-im4EFDSNhcI/TVmca7k4b_I/AAAAAAAAA_g/1Eiytn5Kzqs/s400/tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573658000330616818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRX8fmYTan0/TVmcakrJbuI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/WARAbCXtdMk/s1600/veal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRX8fmYTan0/TVmcakrJbuI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/WARAbCXtdMk/s400/veal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573657994182880994" border="0" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-11944149000498541792011-02-08T11:01:00.003-06:002011-02-08T11:25:10.323-06:00Frugal Valentine's Day!Well! I survived the 2011 snowstorm...but it JUST keeps snowing.<br /><br />I'm super excited because I just booked a hotel room at <a href="http://www.schaumburg.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/place/index.jsp">Hyatt Place</a> in Schaumburg for Saturday. It's me and Mike's Valentine's Day celebration. I stole the idea from <a href="http://rachellelaughs.blogspot.com/">Rachelle</a>, when she and Jay recently did the same in Oak Brook.<br /><br />I'm SOOOO excited about this because it's the cheapest Vday EVER! The hotel was $78, we have a gift card for nearby restaurants, and Mikes Vday <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/mens-eyewear-huxley-eyeglass-frame-dark-tortoise-crystal-on-bottom?sc=9&category=-109">present</a> will end up being free because of my vision insurance!<br /><br />But, let me talk about Mike's Vday present. He LOVES glasses and kind of wants to start collecting them. Like one would collect beautiful shoes - Mike wants to have a variety of glasses to choose from. So, when <a href="http://www.kylaroma.com/2010/09/a-little-spectacle-make-that-spectacles/">Kyla Roma</a> mentioned <a href="http://www.warbyparker.com">Warby Parker</a> a while back, and I think again recently on twitter, so I started checking them out for Vday. <br /><br />AND HOLY CRAP! The glasses are adorable, but they are also $95 across the board, <span style="font-style: italic;">including</span> lenses and shipping/returns. On top of that, they offer a "Try On" option, where you pick 5 frames you like, and they send them to you for 5 days - FOR FREE.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TVF4RUYrOeI/AAAAAAAAA-o/_RkBoBm8gq4/s1600/huxley.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 169px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TVF4RUYrOeI/AAAAAAAAA-o/_RkBoBm8gq4/s400/huxley.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571366452959328738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">These are the glasses Mike chose. They're amazing. And he loves them.<br /></span></div><br />Funny story. We went out to dinner on Friday, which is when I gave him the 5 "Try On" pairs, and Mike wanted to wear the frames out. Well, since they're just to try, they just have clear non-prescription frames in them, so he can't see for shit.<br /><br />We get to the restaurant and there's a 30 minute wait, so we head to the bar for a beer. Shortly, our little pager goes off, and I ask him if he wants me to wait while he pays the tab, so that he can see where I go.<br />Well, he assures me he'll be fine and he'll find me.<br />I'm skeptical at this point, but I wandered off to get our table.<br /><br />I sit and I'm watching him. Because I know he's BLIND. He literally cannot see more than 10 feet around him. And soon he looks up to find me, and realizes he CAN'T. From across the restaurant I see the panic on his face because he has NO idea where I am. I was dyyyyying.<br />I eventually waved, but the panic was priceless.<br /><br />My lord - this post makes me look and sound and feel like a cheap ass - but, saving the $$s is awesome, I don't care what ANYONE saysAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360663844354406602.post-62282920370260283812011-02-02T07:55:00.005-06:002011-02-02T08:09:28.272-06:00SnOMG! Icepocalypse! Blizzaster!So, instead of updating you about the house renovations, I'm updating you on the MASSIVE BLIZZARD that has trapped me in the house. Except everyone in the universe is probably also updating you on the status of the blizzard...<br /><br />We'd been hearing rumblings about it since the weekend, but as it drew closer they way they described this storm got more serious. "Life-threatening" is what they called it, saying we would have white out conditions and winds inn excess of 50mph. Some of it felt like hyperbole, like the weather people were being REALLY dramatic.<br /><br />BUT IT CAME. The city of Chicago is basically shut down, and a good portion of the rest of the state is too. My office is closed, Mike's office is closed, and we're trapped. We were lucky that we didn't lose power like a lot of people!<br /><br />When I tried to take Maddie out, I found that the snow was about 4 feet up the door...so even if I could get it open, Maddie is too small to forge the snow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixXztT0I/AAAAAAAAA-I/GNixI4BtyiU/s1600/Photo%2B590.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixXztT0I/AAAAAAAAA-I/GNixI4BtyiU/s400/Photo%2B590.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569091014564335426" border="0" /></a>View from the backdoor, where we let Maddie out to do her business. To the left of the picture is a drift, and to the right? That's our grill. This is through a CLOSED door.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixt8JX0I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/aRBTTjvjaOU/s1600/Photo%2B568.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixt8JX0I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/aRBTTjvjaOU/s400/Photo%2B568.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569091020505308994" border="0" /></a>This is out the front door, that I could only open about a foot...with a ton of force. You can see the snow it up to the mailbox.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixQHnRDI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/sHmrbhX_lcM/s1600/Photo%2B574.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iEDAh53UY_Q/TUlixQHnRDI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/sHmrbhX_lcM/s400/Photo%2B574.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569091012500341810" border="0" /></a>Looking out one of the side windows...that's a drift.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />What I COULDN'T get a picture of were the cars in the driveway, and the wall of snow that the plow left at the end of the driveway. I know we SHOULD start digging out, but holy crapoli, I don't even know where to start. I'm OK with using this as an excuse to hibernate for the rest of the winter. Because this shit? This is crazy.<br /></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09170584611110958840noreply@blogger.com